Sony forges ahead into UHD market with FMP-X1 4K media player

Sony has finally revealed more details about its 4K media player, which was first hinted at during CES earlier this year.

The newly unveiled Sony FMP-4X1 player is designed to provide 4K video content to go along with its new line of Ultra HD television sets.

The player will act as a hub allowing users to access online 4K content, presumably through Sony’s forthcoming paid 4K distribution service. However, that feature won’t be unlocked until the autumn. For the first few months of the player’s availability, buyers will be restricted to a selection of 10 pre-loaded films and video shorts to stream 4K to their TVs.

The films available on the FMP-4X1 are random grab bag of titles, including Bad Teacher, Battle: Los Angeles, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Karate Kid, Salt, Taxi Driver, That’s My Boy, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Other Guys and Total Recall.

The device will be available this summer for $699 (£455). The firm has not indicated specific release dates for UK or other international markets.

Sony also announced the pricing of two 4K TV sets, the 55in Sony XBR055X900A and the 65in Sony XBR065X900A , which will run $4,999 (£3,300) and $6,999 (£4,700). The TVs are already available for pre-order online.